One of the most significant architects in Denmark’s history and a pioneer of Danish functionalism in Scandinavian, mid-century modern furniture, Vilhelm Lauritzen maintained a lifelong belief that design is an art for the people.
Born in the town of Slagelse in 1894, Lauritzen had an early interest in architecture and design. He graduated from the Sorø Akademi in 1912 and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1922. That year, Lauritzen founded the Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects studio.
Travel to Spain, Greece and throughout Central Europe influenced his architectural work. His first major project was in 1928, when he designed the Daell’s Department Store in Copenhagen. Subsequent notable design projects included the Nørrebro Theater in 1931, the Radiohuset building in 1936 and Copenhagen Airport’s first terminal in 1939, inspired by Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier.
Although architecture was among Lauritzen’s chief passions — he was also an avid lepidopterist — he was keenly interested in the furnishings of his projects, designing everything from chairs and settees to door handles and ashtrays. His influential creations include the iconic VL 38 “Radiohus” table and the VL 45 “Radiohus” pendant light — a powerful downward light that provides a gentle illumination through handblown, white opal glass. Both were designed for Danish furniture manufacturer Louis Poulsen in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Juhl. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s lamps and wall sconces, which have obliquely angled lamp heads, were likewise designed in partnership with Poulsen for the Radiohuset building in the 1930s.
Lauritzen remained active in his studio until 1969, overseeing numerous architecture projects in the 1950s, such as the Shellhuset building, Folkets Hus — known today as the VEGA concert hall — and the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC.
Lauritzen died in 1984. His legacy lives on with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects still operating in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, and his elegant lamps remain in production by Louis Poulsen.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen lighting, seating, tables and more.
LUbell Pendant
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Description: Modern LUbell pendant by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made to order. Brass and painted aluminum finish. Custom finish and OAD can be made upon request. Single E26 medium based l...
Aluminum, Brass
LUbell Pendant
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern LUbelle Pendant by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made to order. Brass and painted aluminum finish. Custom finish and OAD can be made upon request. Single E26 medium based light socket ...
Aluminum, Brass
LUrco BR Pendant by Lumfardo Luminaires
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous large LUrco brass pendant with perforations. Made of solid brass. Interior is an off white painted finish and the exterior is un-lacquered patinated brass. Has a single medi...
Brass
Boris Lacroix Directional Pendant
By Jean Boris Lacroix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
(3) Directional pendants by Boris Lacroix, 1950s France. Brass and painted steel finish. Original aged finish. Wired for use in the US. OAD can be ...
Brass, Steel
21st Century Pendant
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of our Lumfardo Luminaires Contemporary Collection, the 21st century pendant is a sleek and refined all brass pendant. Recommended to cluster in multiples. Made to order. The pe...
Brass
Large Micelu Pendant
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive large pendant in the style of Mid-Century Modern design. Measures: Current Drop: 53”. Fixture Height: 35”. Diameter: 16”.
Aluminum, Brass
Atelje Pendant
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in London, England
This exquisite pendant light is a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and impeccable craftsmanship. Featuring a sleek and ornamental design crafted from finely pierced brass, it ex...
Brass
Vilhelm Lauritzen 'VL56' Pendant in Chrome for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen VL56 Pendant for Chrome Louis Poulsen. The VL 56 Pendant was among the lamps Vilhelm Lauritzen designed in 1956 for the Vega concert hall in Copenhagen. Out of pro...
Chrome, Metal
Poul Henningsen Ph 3/2 Pendant
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Berkeley, CA
The fixture design is based on the principle of a reflective three-shade system, which directs the majority of the light downwards. The shades are made of hand-blown, opal, three-layer glass, which is glossy on top and sandblasted matte on the underside, giving a soft and uniform light distribution. Poul Henningsen designed the three-shade system during 1925/1926. The first lights using the system were designed for an exhibition in Paris. His work with Louis Poulsen continued until his death in 1967. Throughout his life, PH sought to create glare-free lighting; aiming to direct light where it was most needed, and creating soft shadows while using incandescent bulbs as a light source. The PH 3...
Chrome
Pendant by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Praha, CZ
Pendant lamp designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for the Swedish company AB Markaryd. Very good condition, aluminum polished, new white paint inside. Rewired. 1x60W, E25-E27 bulb. US...
Aluminum
Fagerhult Iconic Sonatra Pendant by Jan Wickelgren, Large Stock
By Fagerhult
Located in Voorburg, NL
Very beautiful and fascinating Sonatra pendant designed by Jan Wickelgren and manufactured by Fagerhult in 2006 in Sweden. This iconic example of Scandi...
Steel
Aluminum and Glass PH 4½-4 Pendant by Poul Henningsen
By Poul Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A PH 4½-4 pendant with a white-lacquered aluminum top shade and 2 white opal glass lower shades. Chromed metal socket cover.
Aluminum, Chrome
